This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
The Panel reaches one of five decision types on an application. Whichever decision is reached, a rationale is provided with reference to the relevant provisions of the National Statement and, where relevant, Iris Ethics policy; the National Statement itself requires that reasons be given for any rejection, withdrawal of approval, or requested modification (NS 5.2.7).
The five decision types
- Accept without amendment. The application is approved as submitted.
- Accept with amendments already received during the meeting. Any clarification or document requested during the review has already been provided and assessed, and approval is granted on that basis.
- Provisional acceptance. Acceptance is subject to the applicant providing further information or amendments in response to the Panel's recommendations. Approval is confirmed once these are received and accepted.
- Decline to accept with recommendations. The application is not approved, but the Panel provides recommendations; a new application, taking these into account, may be submitted.
- Decline to accept without recommendations. The application is not approved and no recommendations for resubmission are offered.
How the Panel reaches a decision
Deliberation is primarily asynchronous, conducted on a secure, Australia-hosted collaboration platform and moderated by the Chair or Deputy Chair. The Chair may convene a collaborative discussion with the applicant, or an in camera session of the Panel, to resolve matters that cannot be settled on the platform. The goal is a consensus decision; the National Statement supports reaching decisions by general agreement rather than by vote, with any dissent recorded in the minutes (NS 5.2.8). Where the Panel does not reach unanimous agreement, a decision is carried by a two-thirds majority of the Panel, provided that majority includes at least one member acting as the community representative. Any significant minority view (two or more members) is recorded in the minutes.
What happens next
You are notified of the decision within 1 business day of it being made, through the applicant portal and by email. A provisional acceptance or a decline with recommendations sets out specifically what is required; see Responding to requests for information/amendment for how to respond. If you consider a decision was reached incorrectly, see Appeals process.
Related resources
This page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
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This article makes reference to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025. It is intended as practical guidance and does not constitute legal advice.
AI Disclosure: Resources in this library were prepared using Large Language Models with input from Iris Ethics staff who guided the scope and design. Subsequent revisions and final versions were developed and approved by Iris Ethics staff.